12th Lapu-Lapu council to convene tomorrow

CEBU, Philippines - The 15-member 12th Lapu-Lapu City council, when it convenes tomorrow, will introduce changes in committee chairmanships in a bid to accelerate the legislative process. 

But before the inaugural session, Congressman-elect Arturo Radaza will lead the ceremonial mass oath taking of newly elected city officials including his wife, Mayor-elect Paz Radaza, at the session hall at around 2 p.m.

In an interview with The Freeman, Mayor Radaza said preparations are underway for a simple but fitting ceremony after a 1:00 pm. mass at the City Hall.

Mayor Radaza, who made history in the city by being the first woman local chief executive, will deliver her inaugural address before the members of the new city council.

As of the press time, Mayor Radaza is still finalizing her speech as she will bare her plans and programs.

On the first regular session, members of the new council are expected to deliberate and adopt new house rules and present the new committees and its members, according to Vice Mayor-elect Marcial Ycong.

As vice mayor, he will preside over the sessions.

Ycong said three first-timers – Councilor Harry Don Radaza, Eduardo Patalinghug, and Roque Wagwag – will be given committee chairmanships since some of the senior councilors are already handling two or three committees.

In the new set up, Ycong said chairmen of the different committees will now have the option to select their members.

Being the presiding officer, Ycong said he will still be handling the committee on social services, which he handled when he was a councilor.

Ycong owns West Land Memorial Funeral Homes, which most of the constituents in the city approach him for assistance.

Compared to the 11th city council, the new council will have no minority floor leader since all of them belong to the administration camp but he immediately dispelled speculations that his council will be a rubber stamp of Mayor Radaza.

“I don’t think so. Knowing Mayor Paz, I know that she is open-minded. Mas naa hinuon advantage that we belong to the same group because the executive and legislative departments can work hand-in-hand to realize our mission as public servants,” Ycong told The Freeman.   

Ycong assured residents that under his leadership, the council will enact ordinances and resolutions that will definitely benefit the great number of the people. - THE FREEMAN